History holds a great fascination for many mid-venturers. But if you've seen Buckingham Palace and the Eiffel Tower, or traced Paul Revere's route in New England, you don't need to repeat the experience. Rather, you'd prefer to stop in lesser known old cities and enjoy the ambience created by old buildings that exude their own sense of importance and romance, especially if they're not listed in guide books. To discover an ancient monastery, old fort or historic building quite by chance and wander through quiet interiors unhampered by crowds, offers an opportunity to imagine what mysteries it holds and tales of romance or tragedy.

Even your media habits don't follow the norm. Typically you read more than most -- books, magazines and newspapers -- and watch TV less. When you turn on the "tube," you are much less likely to prefer any of the top ten sitcoms or "soaps." Instead, you'll seek out dramas, special news magazine format shows, and selected sports (as football and basketball; you have less interest in baseball or hockey). Consistent with your travel interests, you particularly like fact based television shows or dramas in a historic setting, and programs that explain the workings of some of our modern marvels. You hold definitive opinions about much of what you see happening in the world, especially politics, and strongly prefer commentators who agree with your views.

In looking for destinations that will satisfy your intellectual curiosity, seek out those that measure higher for venturers. You share so many traits in common with that group that most of these places will help ensure that your next trip will hold the enjoyment and contribute to the kinds of memories that you want. But make certain these places have adequate hotels and restaurants.

Who doesn’t love a Gnome? They are a fairy tale creature that dwells in your gardens and brings luck or knowledge to your home.

Gnomes are a worldwide fascination, first made in Germany in the small town of Gräfenroda in the mid-1800s. August Heissner and Phillip Griebel made the terracotta creations as a way for people to enjoy the stores of local myths. They quickly became a favourite for gardens everywhere.

Gnomes have become targets of pranksters since the 1980s. The first was recorded in Australian 24^th September 1986 as reported in the Sydney Morning Herald. A note was left to the owner that her gnome was bored with solitude and went to see the world. He returned later with photos from his trip around the world. On the 9^th of August 2006, the Fulton Sun of Missouri, USA reported that “Edgar” had been missing for two months and returned with a package of photos that he had travelled seven states. These pranks have become the mascot for the online travel site, Travelocity, with their “Roaming Gnome” commercials a big hit with consumers.

They have even hit the music scene. Wolfmother, an Australian Rock band, include a song by the name of “Tales From the Forest of Gnomes” in their first album. Pink Floyd also had a song titled “The Gnome” on their debut album The Piper at the Gates of Dawn. David Bowie released a song in the early 70s called “The Laughing Gnome.”

Glenbrook in the Lower Blue Mountains has its annual Gnome Convention on Australia Day, 26^th January. It is unique in the convention world and earned a spot in a book, “Gnomeland,” by Margaret Egleton.  The 2007 festivities will mark the 4^th year of the gathering. It is held at Glenbrook Park in Glenbrook, off the Great Western Highway. Booking in is between 9 and 11:00 am, judging at noon and prizes awarded at 1:00 pm. Categories are workin gnome, original garden gnome, country gnome, sportin gnome and fancy dressed gnome. 

Want more Gnomes? In Western Australia there is Gnomesville outside Wellington Mills. No one knows how it got started, but there are now thousands of Gnomes living there. They are playing cricket, flying planes, and having parties. There is even the Rolling Gnomes, Gnome Empire, There’s No Place Like Gnome and other Gnome puns. It is a popular attraction and people are encouraged to bring their own Gnomes from home. There are ones from England, New York, Sydney and others.

The World Wide Gnome Association has information posted on Gnomer’s Day.  Events suggested for the day:

Plan to have coffee with other collectors or even friends who are not collectors.
Rearrange your Gnomes for them to have a change of scenery.

Bake Gnome cookies or cakes with Gnomes designs.

Walk around your house and extend a loving smile to every Gnome.

Tell more people about Gnomes, take the Gnomes cookies to work.

When driving, place one of your largest Gnomes in the passenger seat with seatbelt on of course.

Make a red hat for yourself.

Wear your Gnome jewellery.

Do a Gnome craft project.

Read your Gnome books.

For more information visit the World Wide Gnome Association webpage, www.foundus.com .

What constitutes a dream or reality when it comes to seeking a job? When I soul searched to find what profession I would like to pursue I choose writing, with the amount of travelling I have done and wish to do in the future, I chose freelance travel writing. Starving artists selling their paintings on the side of the road are a dime a dozen, and apparently so are travel writers. There are a lot of want to be writers online, each site I surf to read what material is out there is full of them.

There are no college courses to take (journalism is offered but expensive), I used a distance course to familiarize myself with the field. I am reading every book I can get my hands on with regards to the business, marketing and travel writing. Travel Writers Association of Australia states that they do not recognize courses regarding travel writing, that the best way to learn is read others or find a mentor. Finding a niche that would be in demand is another key to getting into the market. What other courses does a person take to be a better professional in this field? I am an excellent researcher my teacher tells me, but I am having difficulties finding that opening line to hook a reader. I approach subjects to much like a historian researcher. I also need more work in proofreading, I tend to get excited and rush a story when they could be made shorter in editing.

Next obstacle is that working towards this goal takes time and doesn't make money. Most of the jobs in these mountains are waiting tables, the hospitality field.... not many knocking the door down for a 39 year old fat woman to greet their customers when young pretty things are running against you. I keep showing up at their doors though. A yank with a pending spousal visa isn't much competition against Aussies either. I have a paralegal degree that can't be used and knowledge that isn't useful either. (animal care and husbandry, USA and Australian History) I'm creative, intelligent, and hard working but wondering when did I get past my prime - I thought I just hit it.

     Top 10 reasons to pick a vacation rental over a hotel.

     1.    Vacation rentals have ideal locations near all attractions that you are looking forward to visiting. Check with rental agencies, the pamphlets you have been accumulating, or travel agents as to the closest in the area.

     2.     You have the convenience of resting in a home-like atmosphere after a day of hunting for the perfect shopping bargains, tourist attractions and sunning yourself on the sand. Kicking back on a couch just like at home, the atmosphere is cozy and relaxing.

     3.    Instead of rushing around to find a restaurant to suit everyone's tastes. You have a fully equipped kitchen to make what you know they will enjoy. Having the family sitting around the table discussing the day or what is to come is much more enjoyable in the quiet room of your own than trying to hear over the next table in a large room of talking families.

     4.     The price comparison of hotel over rentals is amazing. The average cost of a 2 bedroom unit for a week is $450, versus the average hotel of $150 a night for a week $1,050.

     5.     If you are taking kids and still want some privacy. You are will not have to rent them a second room costing you twice as much, or if smaller children no privacy at all. In a rental they have their own room with a door that closes them out of your snuggle time.

     6.     Less luggage space taken up by clothes you need for the time you are away so you can fit all those bargains you find while on your trip. Rentals have laundry facilities to wash what you take with you.  No taking dirty clothes home for you to wash when you arrive.

     7.     Less noise of the crowd also on vacation. No hearing what the room next door is doing, no party animals invading your quiet space and no rush of people in the lobby.

     8.     Rentals with pools give you quiet time in the water without the hassle of other people invading your relaxation and enjoyment.

     9.     Rentals have their own parking space next to the door. No parking on the other side of the lot to get back to your room.

     10.    For your own “peace” of mind. Knowing that everything you need is right at your fingertips.

                Everything coffee that you need in one spot, the largest gathering of coffee lovers on any continent, where will you be? 

Sydney will be hosting its 11^th anniversary The Rocks Aroma Festival on July 6, 2008 with over 100 stalls, including 25 Australian coffee roasters, spices, chocolatiers and teas of the world. It is free entry, runs from 10am to 5pm and cuppas for $1.00. Want more incentive? They have it for you; there is also the Domestic Coffee Machine Expo and the Australian Latte Art Championships.

Sydney-based baristas have won the World Barista Coffee Championship and the World Latte Art Championship – making Australia the only country to have won both titles. Where else would you find the finest coffee but where the champions are.

The coffee culture is exploding in Australia, the cafe’ markets are the only other 100% espresso-based markets in the world outside Italy. There are over 16,000 restaurants and cafes employing over 190,000 people operating throughout the country.

Enjoy samplings of different Australian roaster’s delights as you walk through Sydney’s heritage quarter. Go to the Overseas Passenger Terminal in Circular Quay for live music, cooking demonstrations and spices to add flavour to your own dishes. George Street, First Fleet Park, The Rocks Square, and Campbells Cove all have something to offer the festival attendee.

The Domestic Coffee Machine Expo will feature: Saeco, Breville, Sunbeam, Gaggia, Group SEB, Di Boartoli Coffee Centre, Barazi Bezzera, Cafetto, Espresso Company of Australia and Jura. Last year Sunbeam held demonstrations by former world barista champion, Paul Bassett and former Australian latte champion, Dominic Majolandzic; what will they do to top that for this expo? 

Watch as baristas from around the country contend for The Australasian Specialty Coffee Association (AASCA) Australian Latte Art Championships. The winner is flown to Copenhagen, Denmark to barter for the world title. Australia has already held two previous title winners, Jack Hannah in 2007 and Scottie Callaghan in 2006, who will be our next star.

One of Sydney’s own roasters, Karmee Coffee, has been attending the Festival year after year. They hope to be back behind Cadman’s Cottage once again. They carry 25 varieties for seven savoury blends. Owners, Paul and Sara Laurence-Wilmot, travelled across Europe to learn everything about roasting to bring you the best cuppa they can bestow. It is the sensual, buttery, caramel/cream quality of their classic blend to be offered at this year’s event. They also carry over 20 teas handmade chai blends sure to delight you.

Coffee production in Australia has had some bumpy rides. It actually began in 1788 as the colonies began to cultivate goods for the people. That was before Mexico, Columbia, Hawaii and some of Africa. Commercial coffee growing took off in the 1800s, but a major cyclone in 1918 destroyed most of the crops. Today a viable collection of plantations are throughout Queensland and New South Wales regions offering over 120 producers to choose from.

The first espresso machine in Sydney (and possibly Australia) seems to have been installed in 1952 by the Andronicus brother’s cafe on George Street (now the Four Seasons Hotel). The Andronicus brothers immigrated to Australia in the late 1800s from Greece. They opened the shop in 1904 roasting over 90kg of coffee every day, it remained open in 1973

Erected in 1925, for over 40 years the Bushells Coffee and Tea Company had a warehouse at the Rocks. It was the first purpose built production store in the country. Bushells tea has been a part of Australian life for over 120 years, whole generations of Aussies have grown up with one of their cuppas to savour. They have a smooth, full-bodied taste that is enjoyed again and again.

Want more from the trip? The Forsyth Coffee and Tea House in Naremburn of Sydney have coffee tastings of Asia, Indian, Africa and South America. There is also a coffee appreciation course for $90 (discounts for 2 or more). This is the only place in New South Wales that you can sample the infamous Kopi Luwak coffee too, so much experience for one’s tastebuds to endure.

There are many places to stay around Sydney within walking distance of the festival in a variety of offerings for your budget and needs. Four Seasons Hotel is right on the Rocks with all comforts and pampering a traveller needs. For the budget minded the Y Hotel at Hyde Park has studio to dormitory rooms on a park side location close to activities. Google maps lays out all the hotels in the area and contact information to find your perfect relaxation spot.

 Transportation around the city is no problem. We have a wonderful public system that will suit any travellers. Buy a day tripper ticket for all day pass on any bus, train or ferry in the city for $15.95. Also available is the monorail all day passes for $9.50 or light rail all day for $9.00. Discover Sydney passes are available for monorail/light rail at $6.00. The purchase of Day passes and Day Trippers also give 20% discounts for some sites.                Come join in the caffeine rush of the Sydney Aroma Festival. The Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge is also on the Circular Quay for you to enjoy. Taking is the atmosphere while enjoying your coffee too is a spectacle you don’t want to miss.

                There are many techniques to make your vacation as comfortable as home, as a frequent traveller and a housekeeper in a 100-year old guesthouse I have seen and done a variety of options.

                Location is your first choice. If you are not comfortable in a five-star fancy resort don’t pick it as your accommodations. There are vacation home rentals, apartments and many hotels have larger rooms with kitchens available. You have to choose based on what you wants and needs during your vacation. Do you want pampered, small quarters, ability to cook, etc? Being near the attractions you are seeking does not always mean the best for your comfort so look around at what is available in the area.

                Choose items to bring from home that you can add touches of yourself to a room. A favourite blanket, pillow, a choice of CDs, or photo frames on a mantel or nightstand placed around so you can see them. If you use something frequently while you are at home, you will also want them on your vacation.

                When you get to your room arrange those items from home and move the furniture how you want to use them.  Set up the bathroom with your own toiletries, get the kitchen goods made up for easy access, and unpack those clothes from the suitcase into drawers and closet. I have also had guests that buy candles and arrange them everywhere for their own home scents and ambience. After a day of sightseeing coming back with everything set up the way you are use to accessing them is a major step to comfort.

                What is your daily routine at home can be incorporated to your trip with added bonuses. The morning coffee pick me ups taken in your room so you can stay in your pjs, breakfast items you make or order in, snacks at your fingertips, workout rooms, internet access, you name it and it can be found.

                Keep in mind this is a vacation, you don’t want to keep too much to the routine. Instead of that quick bath indulge in a long spa, morning walks turned into a dip into the pool, instant coffee on the run to work can be a soothing latte prepared from the kitchen.

                A little planning goes a long way when you are away from home. Take into account what you don’t feel you can do without or a routine that you don’t want to break. Ask the staff upon your booking about items you cannot bring with you that you would like to have. Research the area to find places to get what you need or want. Enjoy your time away from home with no stress, which is why you are leaving it.